Create a Dynamic Collection Based on User Input?

[seadude]

Hello,

I don't think I've done this before (or at least I can't remember nor find a community post about it). Maybe you can help?

Scenario:

- User inputs a number into a Textbox control

- I need to create a Collection of items equal to this number

Example:

- User enters "5" into the Textbox

- Create a Collection with 5 records (a template of sorts that accepts user input)

- If user enters "8", create a Collection with 8 records, etc.

Has anyone a solution for this?

Thank you!

[WarrenBelz · Accepted solution]

Hi @seadude ,

Use FirstN around the details

ClearCollect(
   colMyCollectioon,
   FirstN(
      Filter(
         Mylist,
         MyField=Whatever
      ),
      Value(MyNumberTextBox).Text
   )
)

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[seadude]

@WarrenBelz ! Nice solution, thank you.

Here's how I adapted it for my use case:

- Use case:

  - Users will receive shipments of 1-~10 units

  - As part of an intake process, they must weigh each unit

- Since each unit is unique, I substituted the Filter statement with a static table with GUID()'s

  - The Table statement works if your app only requires a small number of dynamic elements (<~20-30)

  - There is a way to use a "numbers table" and ForAll to get more records

    - I don't think PowerApps has true dynamic capabilities here, you'll always need a reference table to iterate/loop through

ClearCollect(
   colDynamicWeights,
   FirstN(
      Table(
          { id: GUID(), label: "test1", weight: ""},
          { id: GUID(), label: "test2", weight: ""},
          { id: GUID(), label: "test3", weight: ""},
          { id: GUID(), label: "test4", weight: ""},
          { id: GUID(), label: "test5", weight: ""},
          { id: GUID(), label: "test6", weight: ""},
          { id: GUID(), label: "test7", weight: ""},
          { id: GUID(), label: "test8", weight: ""},
          { id: GUID(), label: "test9", weight: ""},
          { id: GUID(), label: "test10", weight: ""}
      ),
      Value(TextInput1.Text)
   )
)

Results: A dynamic Collection based on user input of number of records! (Thanks @WarrenBelz !)

Hope this helps others too!

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

@seadude 

Sequence() could give the dynamic use case you are seeking? @mdevaney has a blog case on it's use here.

Using it for your solution could look like:

ClearCollect(
  ColDynamicWeights,
    AddColumns(Sequence(Value(TextInput1.Text)),
       "label", "Test"&Value,
       "weights", Blank()
)

Just another option really and not to take anything away from @WarrenBelz's solution.

Note: my code is missing an ending ')' but I'm unable to edit as I'm using my iPad.

[seadude]

Wow... ok @Anonymous and @mdevaney Sequence() is quite the statement! I was unaware of it before you mentioned it here! Thank you! I believe this does solve for the "true dynamic" piece of the puzzle.

To sum it up:

- If a dynamic collection of a known size is required, use a "numbers table" or CountRows/Filter() the known data source

- If a dynamic collection based on user input is required, use Sequence() and the users input

PowerApps Community... !!

[seadude]

Just a follow up note here...

Sequence() has powered up the latest app I'm building! It allows me to create data capture templates based on user input, something I've ALWAYS struggled to do in PowerApps.

A-woo., A-hoo.!

[WarrenBelz]

Hi @seadude ,

Another use on this post (do this x number of times).

[Priyankat469]

Hello,
I am new to Power apps,

Can you provide the whole process of creating a Dynamic Collection Based on User Input?

I want to take input from user in one input text box and based on the value that many input text boxes should display.

Thank you!